EasyJet signs military personnel deal as part of Ministry of Defence cuts

EasyJet has signed a deal to fly British service personnel as part of the Ministry of Defenceâs efforts to cut costs.

EasyJet will fly military personnel as part of a cost-cutting scheme by the MoD (Picture: Getty)

About 50,000 members of the Army, Navy and Air Force will be transported to and from locations such as Belfast, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Gibraltar and Cyprus.

They will be given âsubstantialâ cuts on excess baggage charges to allow for their large amounts of kit.

âThe Ministry of Defence recognise the value that EasyJet offers,â said Lt-Col Mike Holmes, head of defence travel.

âThis new partnership represents an excellent opportunity to drive out more efficiencies through smarter procurement.

âThis new partnership is the first of its kind with any low-cost carrier.â

Previously, travelling service personnel had to contact the ministry, which would find cheap flights.

EasyJet said all ranks, including generals, would be flown under the agreement.

âWe now hope to secure travel deals with other government departments as well as with private sector companies,â said a spokeswoman for the airline.The ministry has been told to reduce its spending by Â£5billion.